The Other Boleyn Girl

The Other Boleyn Girl (Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas) – A fine look into Henry VIII’s personality and his rule, this period piece tells the story of Henry Tudor’s (Eric Bana) many appetites.  Having been unable to gain a male heir by his wife, Katherine of Aragon (Ana Torrent), he seeks a suitable mother but not a wife.  The ambitious Duke of Norfolk (David Morrissey) convinces his weak brother, Sir Thomas Boleyn (Mark Rylance), to offer up his eldest daughter, Anne (Natalie Portman).  At first, the king prefers the younger daughter, Mary (Scarlett Johansson), who bears him a son but not before Anne teases him into wanting her more.  Her ambition, beauty and considerable wiles entrance him into denying the son he wants and banishing Mary to the countryside.  She then withholds herself until he seeks separation from Katherine and marries her.  To do so would invite the wrath of the Vatican, which he hesitates to do.  But Anne’s spell over him is too strong, and he brings charges against Katherine and tries her in a kangaroo court, allowing him to marry Anne.  In the process, he denounces Rome and starts the Church of England, all for the love of a woman.  The joy is short-lived as Anne is incapable of delivering a male heir, accused of adultery (the movie, Atonement, follows the same story), and subsequently beheaded.  Well, that the story, and it’s very well acted even if it plays a little like a nighttime soap opera.  One is left wondering why Henry VIII, who could have anything he wants, is so beguiled by Anne.   But the story is true and sets the stage for generations of the British royalty.  Well worth your time, The Other Boleyn Girl refers to sister, Anne, but it tells a story one might not know.